Mauritania

Security Status

Avoid non-essential travel.

General Travel Advice

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises against non-essential travel to Mauritania at this time due to security concerns.

A valid passport is required for travel to Mauritania. Passport cards cannot be used.

Irish citizens should apply before travel for an online e-visa through the website of the Mauritanian National Agency for the Population Register and Secure Titles (Agence Nationale du Registre des Populations et des Titres Sécurisés), who can be contacted via email (contact@anrpts.gov.mr) if you encounter any technical difficulties with your application.

You should apply for an e-visa well in advance of your travel date to ensure that it is issued on time by the Mauritanian authorities.

E-visa fees must be paid on arrival in Mauritania in Euros or US Dollars. For information on visa lengths and fees, read guidance on the Mauritanian government’s website. Change and receipts are not issued

Visitors to Mauritania are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay fully informed of what is going on by monitoring local news and social media.

Emergency Assistance

The best help is often close at hand so if problems arise, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.

Visitors can contact the emergency services in Mauritania by dialling 117. Specific emergency numbers are:

• Police: 117
• Fire brigade: 118
• Ambulance: 101

Our Tips for Safe Travels:

• Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all planned activities.
• Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there is an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
• Follow us on X @dfatravelwise and Instagram @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
• Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.
• Read our Consular Assistance Charter that clearly sets out the assistance that can be provided to citizens in difficulty overseas, and the limits of what the Department can do.

As there is no Irish Embassy in Mauritania, we are limited in the help we can offer in an emergency. However, if you need assistance, you can contact the Irish Embassy in Rabat, Morocco.

Terrorism

Visitors should be aware that there is a high risk of terrorist attacks in Mauritania.

Kidnapping

There is a high risk of kidnapping in Mauritania; so take particular care when travelling in this country:

• Get advice from local contacts about staying safe
• Avoid travelling at night, particularly inter-city
• Avoid travelling alone
• When driving, ensure all car doors are locked
• Vary your routes and departure times – avoid patterns which could be tracked 
• Pay careful attention to local media for reports of kidnapping activities

Get Travel and Medical insurance

Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends obtaining comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. Check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers all activities you want to undertake.

Vaccinations

Check what vaccinations may be required at least eight weeks before travel. We cannot advise on vaccinations, but information on vaccinations can be obtained from a GP or an International Health and Travel Centre.

Evidence of vaccination (in the form of a certificate) can be a requirement for entry to some countries.

Medication

Make sure you bring enough medication for your entire trip and for any unexpected delays. Bring copies of your prescription in case you lose your medication.

Practical Advice

• Read our travel advice, inform yourself before travelling and get advice locally on arrival
• Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them
• Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or even illegal

Visa

Irish citizens should apply before travel for an online e-visa through the website of the Mauritanian National Agency for the Population Register and Secure Titles (Agence Nationale du Registre des Populations et des Titres Sécurisés), who can be contacted via email (contact@anrpts.gov.mr) if you encounter any technical difficulties with your application.

You should apply for an e-visa well in advance of your travel date to ensure that it is issued on time by the Mauritanian authorities.

E-visa fees must be paid on arrival in Mauritania in Euros or US Dollars. For information on visa lengths and fees, read guidance on the Mauritanian government’s website. Change and receipts are not issued

Passport

A valid passport is required for travel to Mauritania. Passport cards cannot be used.

It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport when travelling to Mauritania and to carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

Lost or Stolen Passport

If your passport is lost or stolen while abroad, we can help.

What we can do:

• Issue a replacement passport that will let you finish your trip, or;
• Issue an emergency travel document to get you home.

We will do our best to help as quickly as possible but this can take some time. Your location and circumstances may limit the help we can give. As Ireland does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Mauritania there may be additional complications in processing and application for a new passport.

Contact the nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate to find out what you need to do to apply for a passport. They will also be able to advise on the fees which apply.

As there is no Irish Embassy in Mauritania, we are limited in the help we can offer in an emergency. However, if you need assistance, you can contact the Irish Embassy in Rabat, Morocco.

Please note that if emergency assistance is required while the Embassy is closed, contact the duty number, +212666 933 599.

Alternatively, you can call the Duty Officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at 00353 1 408 2000.